What is curling?

Curling is a team sport which involves sliding granite stones on ice and sweeping the area in front of them to direct them to desired locations. Two teams take turns sliding their stones towards a target (house). Each team has eight stones, each player throwing twice. Points are scored by placing your stones closest to the center of the target.

Curling Terms

Sheet:The playing area. The sheet is a rectangular area of ice typically measuring 146 – 150 feet long and 14.5 – 16.5 ft. wide.

House: A target placed on either end of the sheet. The house consists of 4 circles, the center circle being called the button.

Stone: What is thrown down the sheet toward the house. They are made of granite from either Scotland or Wales. Sometimes call a rock.

Broom: Also called a brush, it is used to sweep the ice in front of the stone. Sweeping can affect the speed and direction of the stone.

End: When each team throws all eight of their stones, that is an end. There are ten ends in a game of curling. Points are given at the conclusion of each end.

Hammer: The term hammer refers to the last-rock advantage given to a team. If a team throws the last stone in an end, they have the hammer.

Delivery Stick: A device used by wheelchair users or anyone who is unable to throw a stone. The stick is attached to the stone during delivery, then pulled back detaching it.

Scoring

In curling, the winning team has the most points at the completion of ten ends.

Points are scores at the end of each end, after teams have thrown their eight stones. The team whose stone is closest to the button receives one point. For each additional stone that is closer to the button than the closest of the opponent’s stones, another point is rewarded. For example: If a team has three stones that are closer to the button than the closest opposing stone, they receive three points.